Boro are set to be without defender Ben Gibson for the next five games after a scan ruled him out for a month.

The 21-year-old’s excitement ahead of a new league season was extinguished in the very first minute against Birmingham City on Saturday, going down clutching his hamstring following an innocuous challenge.

Boro’s number six trudged down the tunnel soon after - with Karanka admitting after the match that Gibson will face a spell on the sidelines.

With club captain Jonathan Woodgate and Seb Hines offering further defensive cover, Karanka admitted the club should be able to cope without Gibson in the coming weeks.

“He [Gibson] will be out for between two and four weeks, it is his hamstring. However, I am not too concerned as I have other players to play.

“Omeruo now looks a better player and an experienced player. For him to play at the World Cup gave him a lot of confidence and I didn’t have any doubts about bringing him in on loan, as I know him very well.

Kenneth Omeruo in action against Birmingham City

“We’ve got a very good team working together. Everyone is playing well defensively and in attack. Daniel Ayala scored a goal and did well defensively, Seb Hines didn’t play in his position but played well and that’s the spirit I want in my team.”

Gibson will miss tomorrow’s trip to Oldham Athletic in the Capital One Cup first round, as well as Saturday’s league clash at Leeds United.

He also looks set to sit out league matches against Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading.